Essence Ticket to Paradise Shimmer Powder in Tropical Heat

I have a real problem resisting Essence's limited edition products. Though their permanent range is pretty good, their limited edition ranges are just that whole lot better and the fact that I know within weeks they will be gone forever makes me buy things I don't really need. I still long for that blush they brought out in their Cherry Blossom collection that I never picked up...Seriously though, who could blame me for this purchase - it is so darn gorgeous!

In my opinion, highlighters are those products that always get forgotten in a makeup routine despite that they are perhaps the most beautiful makeup products of all. A bit of golden shimmer on the cheekbones can honestly make the world of difference yet I will be the first to admit that I simply forget to put some on or just don't have time to make the effort. I've been wearing it a lot more regularly since buying this wonderful highlighter though!

The most obvious aspect of this product is the stunning flowery imprint in the pan. Following the 'Ticket to Paradise' theme, it was basically the print alone that convinced me I had to own it. The remaining packaging is Essence's standard practical but moderately poor quality clear lid and black base. It's not awful but it's not top of the range either.

It's a strong golden toned shade, leaning much more on the orange gold spectrum than the white gold one. It's quite pigmented but can be used lightly if desired, or built up to be quite strong. I personally like it quite subtle, especially as it does have that deeper golden tone, but that is because my skin is so pale. I find warmer highlighters to be much more versatile and user friendly compared to cooler silver based ones, but that may be down to my colouring and overall makeup preferences (I feel the same way about eyeshadows too).

I actually like using this as an eyeshadow, or even as an inner corner highlight because it is subtle but still enough to really glow on the skin.

This sits well on the skin and blends out well. It lasts almost an entire day, though not if it is particularly hot or I'm sweating more than usual! I like to wear this in the summer months and my Essence Twilight Breaking Dawn Highlighter in the cooler months because I feel a deeper more golden tone is more suitable for summer, and a lighter white gold better for winter.

I'm really pleased I purchased this, because I know it would have been one of those products I would have regretted not buying! I can't recall exactly how much this cost, but I believe it would have been $5 or $6 which is super affordable.

I really like this product and give it 8/10.

L-R: Ticket to Paradise, Twilight